Dr. Gonzelez's psychiatric patient reports that last week she stayed up for three days writing because she felt incredibly energetic and creative. She reported to her therapy session looking tired and had not showered or changed clothes for several days. What disorder most fits the patient's symptoms?

A specific phobia
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder

1 answer

The symptoms described in the scenario, such as the patient staying up for three days feeling incredibly energetic and creative, along with the subsequent appearance of tiredness and neglect of self-care, are indicative of Bipolar disorder. This condition often includes episodes of mania or hypomania, where a person may experience increased energy, creativity, and a decreased need for sleep, followed by depressive episodes.

The other disorders listed, such as specific phobia, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, do not align as closely with the pattern of mood episodes presented in this scenario. Therefore, the most fitting diagnosis is Bipolar disorder.